change and perhaps fluctuate. Therefore, this plan will be updated every three years to re-evaluate proposed projects, assess new projects, and adjust emissions targets.
RECOMMENDED MITIGATION STRATEGIES To move URI towards a path to climate neutrality, the Climate Action Plan recommends a wide array of new projects and policies that can be implemented to achieve reduction goals. This plan prioritizes projects with the most significant impact on emissions reductions, and the greatest average annual benefits, in the earlier years. Projects that can be implemented more quickly are also recommended for the first few years of this plan as cost savings realized from these initial projects could be used to support the implementation of projects in later years, which have high costs and longer payback periods. Computer shutdown policies, temperature set-point adjustments and real-time energy monitoring are lowcost projects with short payback times that will easily reduce URI’s emissions during the early stages of implementation of this plan. In contrast, the construction of a 10 megawatt (MW) combined heat and power plant is an energy project with high capital costs. However, early implementation of a project of this magnitude could reduce URI’s total emissions by 27,142 MTCO2e, and makes a bold statement in the University’s commitment to become a more sustainable campus. Additionally, installing renewable energy systems, such as solar thermal for hot water and wind turbines to produce electricity, can not only reduce emissions but can also serve as a living laboratory to educate our students and the Rhode Island community about sustainable energy technologies. Transportation projects and policies recommended in this report focus on transitioning URI’s diesel fleet to biodiesel, and incentivizing alternative transportation options for commuters. To support proposed projects, many policy options are offered so that mitigation strategies take on a more holistic approach.
IMPLEMENTATION The coordination of efforts across all units of the campus community will be integral to the success of the Climate Action Plan. Implementation of the proposed projects and policies of this plan will be spearheaded by working groups of the URI President’s Council on Sustainability. Working groups will consist of key members of the faculty, staff, and student population, and will rely on their expertise to refine specific action items and facilitate implementation.
TRACKING & REPORTING The President’s Council on Sustainability will oversee the process of tracking emissions reductions related to implemented projects and ensure reporting requirements to the ACUPCC are fulfilled. Working groups will provide progress reports, feedback and recommendations for improvement of the plan for the Council’s consideration. Updates of the university’s green house gas inventory and a summary of implementation results provided by the working groups will be used to by the Council to evaluate benefits from the Climate Action Plan. Every two to three years, the Council will re-evaluate its goals and proposed projects, assess the feasibility of new projects, and formulate an updated Climate Action Plan.
URI Climate Action Plan
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